Things to do Alone in Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Things to do Alone in Singapore

Sometimes, you just need some time away from people. Interaction is great and all, but getting some space to be alone and clear your head is necessary once in a while. It's the same with vacations. Some may be fun to spend with friends and family, while others might be better off alone.

So, if you're visiting Singapore this year by yourself and want to know what's good, we've got you covered. In this list of the best things to do alone in Singapore, we'll cover all of the city's best bits while riding solo. And who knows, you might even meet a special someone along the way.

Including:

  • City tours by bus, boat, or bike
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin
  • Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience
  • Singapore Zoo
  • and more!
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Image courtesy of Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya/Shutterstock

Big Bus Singapore

If you're traveling alone, the thought of solo sightseeing probably fills you with giddy glee. Without the hindrance of human connection, you're free to soak up all the culture and landmarks with quiet contemplation and a keen ear. And where better to see all of Singapore's best bits than on a bus tour of the city?

Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off nature of the tour, you can get off at any landmark, explore, and then hop on the next bus to move on. Your audio guide will fill you in on all the history of each stop, giving you insight into the era they were built.

If you're interested in the melting pot of cultures present in the city, take the red line to see the likes of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Or, if you're in it for the spectacle, take the yellow line to see Singapore's most famous attractions like the Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum, and Raffles Hotel.

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Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour

If you prefer your sightseeing on two wheels with a dollop of adrenaline, then why not take a bike tour of the city instead?

With your expert guide in tow, you'll visit many of Singapore's highlights, including Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. They'll make sure to keep you in the loop with the history, culture, and big events that have taken place in each area.

And, over the course of the four-hour tour, you'll work up a nice sweat to boot - the perfect remedy to your calorific evening excursions!

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Singapore River Cruise

And to round out our sightseeing portion of the day, if bikes and buses don't quite cut it, see the city from a different perspective on a Singapore river cruise!

Board a traditional bumboat, and you'll float in style past famous sights like Old Parliament House, Raffles' Landing Site, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, The Merlion Park, and Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

Just make sure your phones or cameras are at the ready - you'll want to snap dozens of pictures to the envy of everyone else.

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Gardens by the Bay

One of the best things to do alone is to experience nature in its most peaceful form. And in Singapore, you've got the Gardens by the Bay, one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet.

Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora.

Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And if you want to add a cinematic sheen to your visit, check out Avatar: The Experience at Cloud Forest. This immersive experience will transport you to Pandora and allow you to marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastical creatures.

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Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin

This is the second time on this list we'll be heading onto the water. But this time, you're free to go at your own pace. Well, to a degree. Ketam Island is one of the last villages in Singapore, so go exploring on this kayak adventure!

You and a few others will join an expert guide as you roam the waters around Pulau Ubin, home to Ketam Island. Alongside the rustic village, you'll find plenty of untouched natural beauty, good vibes, and fresh air to fill your lungs with.

And your guide will be happy to fill your withered brain with sweet, sweet knowledge about all the flora, fauna, and culture you'll find. If you're looking for relaxing things to do alone in Singapore, this kayak adventure should be top of your itinerary!

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Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience

If you've ever wanted to take to the skies in a fighter jet, you can do the next best thing with this VR Fighter Jet Experience!

Perfect for solo travelers, you'll get basic training from a qualified instructor. Then, you'll hop in the virtual cockpit and be pulling corkscrews, loops, and flashing past American landmarks like the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge.

All that without ever leaving the ground. Nice. Then, when you're done, you can attempt landing a multi-million dollar piece of tech. Good luck.

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Singapore Zoo

And finally, we'll end our exploration of things to do alone in Singapore with a little visit to the animal kingdom. At Singapore Zoo, you'll have the chance to meet thousands of exotic animals from across the globe.

If you like orangutans, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras, you'll be in your element. But this isn't any old zoo. It's more of an open concept, landing somewhere between a zoo and a safari. That means more space for the animals and happier animals as a result.

And that's everything you need to know about things to do alone in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. Even things to do with others, if you happen to meet someone on your solo travels!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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festivals in singapore
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Festivals in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures, so it's no surprise you'll find dozens of festivals there throughout the year. If you're visiting this beautiful country and want to join in the festivities, you'll need to know when they are, what they're about, and what you can expect to do and see during them. So, let's talk about festivals in Singapore. We've run our fine-tooth combs through the wealth of offerings to find the very best ones you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, this is our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! And by the by, this list is in chronological order. So you'll find your early-year ones at the top and your later-year ones at the bottom! Enjoy! Including: Pongal Chinese New Year Thaipusam Lantern Festival Hari Raya Puasa and more! Pongal When: January 15 - January 18, 2023 This four-day festival is widely celebrated by the Indian population of Singapore, as it originated there. Dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun, Surya, Pongal is honored to bring wealth and a rich harvest to the people. Head to Singapore's Little India, and you'll find it ablaze with lights, celebrations, and events. It's customary to exchange gifts and wear new clothes during Pongal, so bear those in mind if you want to get in on the festivities. Chinese New Year When: January 22, 2023 Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, and in Singapore, it's no different. In 2023, the big day falls on January 22, so expect Chinatown to be full of fun and fancy! This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and people born in these years are said to be witty, ingenious, and vigilant. You can be all of those things, too, believe it or not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Expect to find plenty of red and gold decorations, dancing in the streets, and lively processions to boot. And, like with many of these festivals in Singapore, gifts are often exchanged. Because gift-giving is fun, and fun is all we have in this cruel, cruel world. Thaipusam When: February 5, 2023 'Thai' is a month in the Tamil calendar. 'Pusam' is the name of a star in the night sky. What do you get if you combine the two together? Thaipusam, of course! And you can bet your stars that Singapore's burgeoning Tamil population will celebrate it with abandon! Over the festival, you'll see those taking part walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying all sorts of symbols of divinity, but the celebration itself actually takes place over two days. Lantern Festival When: February 5, 2023 Taking place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is unsurprisingly celebrated by lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift up into the sky. It's one of the most popular festivals in Singapore, so if you're visiting at the beginning of February, you're sure to see some of these bright tributes floating in the air. Head to Chinatown to get the best views of the festivities. If you've never seen countless lanterns lighting up the sky, you're in for a treat. Hari Raya Puasa When: April 21 - April 22, 2023 Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. So it's no surprise that the following day is called the 'day of celebration'! Following a month of fasting, you can understandably expect plenty of delicious food making the rounds. On the holy side of things, many Muslims also flock to local mosques, visit the graves of their forebears, and wear new clothes to signify the purity and renewal that comes in the wake of Ramadan. If you're a Muslim and visiting Singapore at the back end of Ramadan, you'll be pleased to know you can share Hari Raya Puasa with others! Vesak Day When: May 5, 2023 Don't worry, Buddhists, we see you. And thankfully, you're catered to too here, thanks to Vesak Day. For those that don't know, Vesak Day marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. And, given its melting pot of cultures, you'll find many Buddhists celebrating Vesak Day in Singapore. Meditation and charity are the name of the game here, which gives believers a chance to look inward and take part in some nice self-reflection. Duanwu Festival When: June 22, 2023 More commonly known as the Dragon Boat Festival around the world, Duanwu Festival is another celebration of Chinese origin. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar, it's been celebrated for thousands of years. As you may expect from the Dragon Boat Festival, it primarily consists of dragon boats racing one another. Pretty cool! Even onlookers can enjoy the day, thanks to the food and rice wines often consumed from the sidelines. Hari Raya Haji June 28 - July 2, 2023 Another Muslim festival, Hari Raya Haji is dedicated to the character of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his first-born son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Sacrifice plays a huge role over Hari Raya Haji, with volunteers from mosques sacrificing goats, sheep, and cows on the holy day. A third of the meat from these animals is given to people that need it most. The rest is given to the families of those who sacrificed their animals. Singapore National Day When: August 9, 2023 No matter your religion or cultural background, August 9 is a special day for Singaporeans. It's the country's National Day, and it draws massive crowds from all over the world every year. Expect massive parades, choreographed dance, and plenty of other festivities to enjoy! Diwali When: November 12, 2023 And finally, we end our guide to festivals in Singapore with Diwali, the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. Marking the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, it represents the triumph of good over evil. But what does it mean for you, oh traveler? Well, plenty! Plenty of fireworks, bright clothes, and dancing. Little India will be buzzing all day, so make sure you go down there and check it out! And that rounds out our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience the best of Singapore for one low price, and fit them around your festival itinerary!
Dom Bewley
Best Markets in Singapore
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Best Markets in Singapore

Nothing invigorates the soul quite like a bargain. Finding something of true value and getting it for a steal is a high many of us chase throughout the year. Discounts and deals are just in our blood. But stumbling upon one yourself gives you a rush like no other. So, if you're visiting Singapore this year and have an itch for bargain hunting, you're in luck. You'll find plenty of markets there. But which are the best? Rather than force yourself to delve into the tomes, documents, and online hearsay, we've done all the legwork for you. Read on, and discover our picks of the best markets in Singapore, and go hunt down some sweet, sweet bargains. Including: Chinatown Street Market Bugis Street Market So Gelam Market Little India Arcade Far East Plaza and more! Chinatown Street Market Let's kick things off in the Far East. Chinatown, to be exact, where you'll find the eponymous Chinatown street market. It's most famous for its delicious food offerings, with plenty of authentic Chinese and Singaporean dishes cooked fresh every day. If you have a taste for satay chicken, dim sum, duck, or laksa, you're bound to be in heaven as you wander the market, surrounded by all the brilliant smells. But that's not the only thing you'll find here. You can also pick up plenty of souvenirs to take back home, interesting nicknacks, and even clothes should you need an item or two. Bugis Street Market Looking to steal a bargain during your market travels? Then Bugis street market is one of the best in Singapore. You'll find plenty of bits and pieces around the place you can pick up for under a buck. Need some keepsakes to remember your trip, or want some presents to bring back for your friends? Bugis has got you covered. But it isn't all bargains - you can even find quality clothing and accessories if you comb the place hard enough. You might be surprised at the labels you'll find in tucked-away corners. And you certainly won't be paying high street prices for them, so what's stopping you? So Gelam Market So Gelam is the king of flea markets, but it's also a fickle beast. It only runs over the final weekend of the month, so if you're in town before that, you may miss out. However, if you're lucky enough to be around when the market's on, you're in for a real treat. Anything goes at So Gelam. You might find beautiful prints in one stall, and the next may be stacked with old electronics. If you're a collector of older, forgotten things, you'll have a field day here. But that's not all, because you'll also find freshly squeezed juice stalls, produce stalls, and even fresh food prepared on-site if you're feeling famished. Little India Arcade If you're in the market for Indian trinkets, spices, and shawls, then Little India Arcade is the perfect market for you. Given Singapore's large Indian contingent, it's hardly surprising there's a market dedicated to South Asian splendor. You'll find everything among its stalls, from traditional herbs and spices to incense, jewelry, and pashminas. Unlike some of the markets on this list, Little India Arcade is an indoor affair, so no matter rain or shine, you'll be more than welcome to brave its streets and find the perfect item! Image courtesy of pac_aleks/Shutterstock Far East Plaza Welcome to one of Singapore's oldest markets! Well, not a market in a traditional sense, at least. This ancient commerce site is now home to a six-story shopping complex replete with over 800 shops, stalls, and sellers. If you're looking for bargains on electronics, clothes, and accessories, then Far East Plaza is the place to be. It's so well known throughout the city that thousands descend on it every weekend to seek out bargains and go home happy. And alongside all those sweet bargains, they also have plenty of beauty shops where you can get a massage, mani/pedi, or facial. After an entire day of bargain hunting, you've earned some R&R. Haji Lane Jonesing for some up-market shopping? Haji Lane's got you covered. Journey through its myriad shops, and you'll find designer labels, unique boutiques, and even high-end homeware. Even visitors of a less permanent disposition will find things to take home with them. Craft jewelry has made a big splash in Haji Lane, with sellers offering exotic pieces you won't find anywhere else on Earth. And, if you need to take a load off, you'll also find cafes and bars to sit down and refuel before you head further into high-street heaven. Image courtesy of ZDL/Shutterstock Holland Village If you're visiting Singapore to escape the high-street bubble back home, head to Holland Village for some truly authentic fresh produce and cooked meals. Discover dozens of stalls filled with fresh fruit, veg, meats, and seafood. Perfect if you're staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen. But, of course, with so much street food on offer, you may end up leaving full to the brim! Noodles, chicken, and rice dishes are the name of the game here, all soaked in authentic sauces and paired with Singapore beers and cocktails. You could even spend an evening exploring all of Holland Village's delights. Arab Street And finally, if you're in the market for Middle-Eastern treats, then Arab Market is one of the best markets in Singapore. Nestled in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, you'll find this bright lane flanked by small shops selling authentic Middle-Eastern food, garments, accessories, and pretty much anything else you could want. And those are our picks of the best markets in Singapore! Whatever your heart desires - and your wallet can afford - is bound to be found somewhere within the above! After all that shopping, you might be wondering what else Singapore has to offer. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Check out Go City and visit some of the best attractions in Singapore! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Top family-friendly activities in Singapore
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Top family-friendly activities in Singapore

Families. They're the best. They support us through our hardest times, and help us celebrate our victories. They are the backbone of our civilization. But sometimes, planning for a family can be tough. Will the kids dig exploring a destination's culture? Will the grown-up want to ride waterslides all week? How do you juggle all the responsibility without physically exploding? Just, ka-boom. No more vacation. No more you. It's simple, really; just read our picks of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore. You've already clicked through, so the hard part is over. Now? Time for adventure. Including: Sentosa Gardens by the Bay Universal Studios Singapore Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Virtual Room Singapore and more! Sentosa Why don't we begin with one of Singapore's most popular tourist destinations? You may already know about Sentosa. In fact, it may already be at the very top of your itinerary. However, if you're unaware of Sentosa's awesomeness, let's explore why it's one of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore. Sentosa is an island paradise carefully curated to please pretty much everyone. Found just off the coast of southern Singapore, it prides itself on offering 50 unique experiences that'll delight both kids and grown-ups alike. From waterparks to indoor skydiving, plus plenty of relaxing beaches and delightful restaurants, it has anything a vacationing family needs to have a great time. Will you even want to leave? Only time will tell. Adventurous families should test their mettle on the Giant Swing and Skybridge, which combine fantastic views with death-defying feats! Or settle in for some thrilling entertainment at 4D AdventureLand. That's just a taste; enjoy the full meal when you visit. Gardens by the Bay Does exploring over 101 hectares filled with 1.5 million plants sound like a good time for your fam? If you need some green on your vacation, you can't beat a visit to Gardens by the Bay. You'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. In fact, with an experience dedicated to the blockbuster movie franchise Avatar on display, you can join in on the cinematic fun! And be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And make sure you don't miss Cloud Forest - a display that takes you up into the clouds, with striking mountain views and a diverse range of plants. Universal Studios Singapore Speaking of cinematic fun, it doesn't get much more cinematic than Universal. A titan of the movie industry, you probably see at least one Universal movie every year. With such a massive cast of colorful characters calling the company home, why not go meet them at Universal Studios Singapore? Kids will love family-friendly rides like Puss In Boots' Giant Journey, Enchanted Airways, and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. They'll get to meet their favorite characters from Sesame Street, as well as the minions, everyone's favorite weird yellow things. Well, maybe not yours, but your kids love them. Trust us. For the larger kids, yes, including you adults, there are also a number of fantastic rollercoasters to ride in the Transformers and Jurassic Park universes, and when you're all tuckered out, settle down for some delicious food to refuel. Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin If you want to add a little physical exercise to your family-friendly activities, why not take the fam on a nature kayaking adventure at Pulau Ubin? It's one of the top experiences in Singapore, and you will love it. Located just off Singapore's northeastern coast, Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore's last remaining villages. As such, they live life a little in the past. And that means plenty of untouched natural beauty, clean air, and good vibes. As you set off on your kayak adventure, you'll take in Pulau Ubin's thriving mangroves, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna like herons and kingfishers. Of course, the whole thing is guided by an expert, so they'll be able to fill you in on the village's way of life, as well as the different species that call Pulau Ubin home. Good stuff. Virtual Room Singapore Kids love technology these days, and who can blame them? With fully-realized worlds literally in the palm of their hand, we'd be exactly the same if we grew up today. In fact, with gaming being the highest-earning media format on the planet, it looks like plenty of us love technology too. That's why a trip to another reality - a virtual reality - might be just the ticket for the whole family. Up to four people can adorn their headsets and play together in a number of different games and activities. Solve puzzles, compete to win challenges, and aim to beat the game! And, with each session only lasting 40-50 minutes, you won't have to worry about your kids' eyes going square. That's not a real thing, by the way - just something our parents made up. Puzzle Hunt And finally, we end our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore with a little scavenger hunt. Hunt for clues, solve riddles, and complete your quest at Puzzle Hunt. With locations in Chinatown and Fort Canning Park, you're spoilt for choice. Team up with the fam to chase down the prize before the other teams do! But it's not all fun and games; they're learning experiences too! Each offers a unique look into Singapore's diverse culture and history, so even if you don't walk away with the grand prize, you'll walk away with the most important prize of all. Knowledge. Sweet, priceless knowledge. And that's our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore! If you're interested in things to do without the kids, or just want to diversify your vacation portfolio, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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